Welcome to Charley’s Blog Life
Welcome to Charlene Eckstein's blog, where love, relationships, dating, attraction, and romance take center stage. Drawing from her experiences as a writer and author, Charlene explores the psychology and everyday experiences behind romantic connection—from recognizing the signs of attraction and understanding sexual chemistry to navigating relationships, dating, and finding love.
You'll also find lifestyle content, books, food and recipes, and videos along the way. Whether you're trying to understand your own relationship, decode someone's behavior, or simply enjoy a good conversation about love and attraction, you'll find something here to explore.
5 Date Ideas To Really Get To Know The Other Person...
Dates are fun, exciting, and sometimes a little awkward. It can be challenging, to say the least, to put yourself out there and really get to know someone new. If you are dating, you are looking for companionship, romance, and possibly a life partner.
The first few dates with someone new can be full of fakeness, and false behaviors. The fakeness is often not intentionally deceitful, but we all wear masks, and try to put our best foot forward. But if we are putting our best foot forward, doesn't that mean we are hiding our not so good "club foot" so to speak to make a better impression.
If you are looking for a potential mate, and not just a hook up, then you may want to get to know the other person sooner rather than later, and not waste time dating someone with whom you have no real compatibility.
Date Ideas To Get To Know The Other Person
Bowling
Bowling is not just for non athletic people. Bowling is a lot fun, and will give you an opportunity to observe your date's skills, coordination, and best of all their level of competitiveness. Take this opportunity to see if your date knows how to loosen up, and not take themselves too seriously.
Hiking
Hiking is another great way to get to know your date. While walking there is lots of time to chat. You will get to see if they are athletic, if they are a complainer, and depending on the terrain you hike on, are they a team player by offering to assist you if needed.
Wine Tasting
So rule number one of wine tasting on a date, is do not get drunk. It is not cute, just sloppy. A wine tasting is supposed to be chill, so chill out with your date, and try to relax. Try some wine, get a little tipsy, and see how your mate handles themselves. Remember, you need to keep your wits about you, and be in the moment.
Cooking Class
No skills required, but it is nice to see how your date handles themselves in a kitchen. Cook a nice meal together, enjoy a glass of wine, and chat with others in your class as well. You get to observe how friendly and sociable your date is with new people.
Carnival/Amusement Park
I love an amusement park, but for as much fun as they are, they can be very frustrating and annoying. Chances are you will find yourself dealing with crowds, and long lines. Does your date get irritated and moody with impatience, or do they realize that lines are all part of the experience and take the opportunity joke and have fun? Their reaction will be very telling.
Honestly, there are so many things to do when you are dating to get to know a new romantic interest. These recommendations are meant for the first couple of dates. For that time when you are figuring out if you want to spend more time with them.
We all have deal breakers, but you will not find out most of those relationship "no go's" early on if you are just sitting in a movie theater, or at a noisy bar. So what are your recommendations for first dates? A nice quiet place, or somewhere with lots of excitement? Please share your advice and experience!
“There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately. When the affection IS the entertainment, we no longer call it dating. Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.” - Judith Martin
5 Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist (That You Shouldn’t Ignore)
The term narcissist seems to be thrown around a lot these days, but that doesn't mean the label doesn't necessarily apply to some people. I am not a psychologist, and perhaps you are not either, but I think it is important to recognize what is unhealthy behavior, and avoid it when possible.
So what exactly is the medical definition of narcissist you might be thinking. I think many of us have our own ideas or definitions of what a narcissist is, but the meaning is actually pretty straight forward.
A narcissist is defined as a person who has an excessive interest or admiration of themselves. For a narcissist, it is about them all of the time.
To have a narcissist in your life can be painful. They are self-centered, selfish, and take far more than they give. Your wants, needs, and feelings are rarely, if ever, taken into consideration. Statistically far more men than women are narcissists, approximately 50 to 75 of those diagnosed are men.
5 Signs You're Dealing With A Narcissist
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Appearance Is Everything
A narcissist is very focused on their looks, their clothes, and even the looks and clothes of those they surround themselves with. They are very jealous and envious individuals. The narcissist wants to always look good, be the center of attention, and to be admired.
They Are Braggarts
A narcissist is a name dropper. If they know or have met a celebrity, they make sure everyone is aware of this fact. They tend to have the most expensive clothes, shoes, cars, and jewelry they can afford, and love to share the cost of everything.
They Cannot Take Criticism
A narcissist can be very insensitive, self-serving, arrogant, and dismissive, but don't try telling them that. If they hurt your feelings, or treat you in an inconsiderate or unkind manner, they are more likely to gaslight you than they are to admit fault.
Its Always About Them
A narcissist always has time to talk about themselves, or celebrate their special occasions. Unfortunately when you need them, they cannot make time for you. If it is not about the narcissist, it is not of interest to them.
They Have A Sense Of Entitlement
In the mind of a narcissist, they are deserving of everything they want, regardless of whether or not they have earned it. They believe that they are special, and that they should always come first. The narcissist has an inflated sense of self, and often takes advantage of people.
The moral of the story is that you are not going to change a narcissist, but it is a diagnosable condition. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is real, and treatable, but I do not recommend breaking your own heart trying to cure with love. The cause of NPD is not completely known, but genetics, environment, and early life experiences are believed to be contributing factors.
Do you have experience with narcissists? Did they get help and get better, or did you give up and move on? Please share your story or experience!
“Narcissists are consumed with maintaining a shallow false self to others. They're emotionally crippled souls that are addicted to attention. Because of this they use a multitude of games, in order to receive adoration. Sadly, they are the most ungodly of God's creations because they don't show remorse for their actions, take steps to make amends or have empathy for others. They are morally bankrupt.” - Shannon L. Alder
8 Signs He Likes You: How To Know He’s Genuinely Interested
Does he actually like you, and are his feelings genuine? It can be hard to tell these days in the dating market, and we have all been there. It can be both exciting and torturous all at the same time trying to figure out if a guy is interested in you romantically. You try to decipher if he likes you just as a friend, or if there is a possibility of more. His lack of confession may be confusing, and he may even seem to be playing games. Of course, if he’s actually playing games or stringing you along, drop him, because he doesn’t deserve you.
Take comfort that it is not always about playing games or being a player, though. Just like women, men want to protect their egos and their hearts too. But he should always be making the effort to take care of your heart during this process and showing you the respect you deserve.
If he’s genuine, he wants to know how you feel about him before he puts himself out there. But as much as he may try to hide it, there are some definite signs that he has feelings for you and is interested.
7 Signs He's Interested In You
The Way He Looks At You
An interested guy will lock eyes with you a lot. I call it the love gaze. He cannot help himself. And it's not just about the eye contact itself, but the look in his eyes. His desire for you, and his happiness to be in your presence, are difficult for him to hide.
Pro tip: read his body language while you two are locking eyes. Check for dilated pupils. When someone is looking at someone they are interested in, their pupils dilate.
The eyes truly are windows to the soul. An interested man's eyes will beam at you. Pay attention to the way he looks at you versus how he looks at everyone else. The difference will be obvious, even if he tries to mask it.
The Way He Remembers
When a man is interested he pays attention. He will remember your favorite food, your favorite color, and of course your birthday. He will even remember your allergies, and pet peeves if you have mentioned them. He wants to know everything about you. The more he knows about you, the better chance he will have of winning you over.
We tend to remember what we care about. Sure, he may just have a great memory, but we all data dump useless information. Your guys knows your likes and dislikes because you are important to him.
He Lets You Vent
Guys generally dislike drama and long conversations, especially via text and over the phone. But if a guy is willing to let you vent to him, he may be a keeper. Not only does he let you vent, but he tries to come up with solutions for your problems, and to cheer you up. A fella doing all of this is probably already in love or at least a good listener.
FEATURED VIDEO - 7 Signs He’s Definitely Interested In You
The foundation of any good relationship is a strong friendship. A guy who is willing to listen to your frustrations, is a guy who is demonstrating that he can be there for you as a friend, and maybe more as well.
His Body Language
A guy's body language can tell you almost everything you want to know, without him having to say a word. He may show that he is nervous by being fidgety in your presence. Your guy's nervousness is because he cares about what you think of him. He may also be smiling really big, which is telling you that he is happy to see you.
Take a look at where he looks when something funny happens and you are in a group setting. Does he look to you first? If yes, he feels closest to you than any other person in the room.
Also notice where is feet are point in group setting. Is he facing your direction? His feet point towards where he wants to look. He want to keep you in his line of sight.
The Time and Effort He Gives You
We are all busy, and our time is valuable. So a guy who is willing to make time for you is showing you how important you are to him. Whether it is giving you a ride to the airport, or helping you with a school or work project, he is showing you that you mean something to him.
We make time for what is important to us. If he is interested, he will make the time and effort to see you. And if he is unable to see you, he will find a way to communicate with you to let you know you are on his mind.
Pro tip: Just be mindful if he is also giving other women his time too.
He Only Shows Romantic Interest In You
If a man is genuinely interested in pursuing a romantic, committed relationship with you, he is not showing interest in other women. A man who hopes to have a future relationship with you will not be dating other women, following or engaging with them online, especially sexy pictures of strangers (or casual acquaintances) on social media, and he will not be giving any other woman the impression that he is also interested in her.
Pro tip: If he is doing any of these things, he is not genuine or serious about a future with any woman.
He Asks About Your Day
This goes hand in hand with letting you vent. When a man asks you about your day, he is telling you he cares. He wants to know what is going on in your life, because he wants to be part of it.
Asking about your day is a big deal. He knows it can lead to a long conversation and possible venting, and he's okay with that because you are a priority to him.
Your Gut Feeling
Even though we sometimes play coy or oblivious, we are usually aware deep down when someone is romantically interested. If he seems interested, then he probably is interested. You can either give him time to make his move, or you can take the lead. Or recognize you got it wrong and he is not the guy for you.
Pro tip: It’s okay to walk away, no matter how much time you invested in someone.
Yes, guys can be confusing at times and almost seem wishy-washy. But just remember, just as you are trying to figure out how he feels about you, he is doing the same with you. Someone has to be willing to put themselves out there if anything is to ever happen.
Now you know the signs to look for in your crush. Is he interested? What are your thoughts? What other signs do you look for?
"The extreme form of passionate love is secret love." - Japanese Proverb
You can also find the video version of this blog on YouTube. Please don’t forget to like the video, and to subscribe to my channel.
Long Distance Love...The Dos And Don’ts Of Long Distance Relationships
You have found yourself in a relationship where you, and your love are miles apart. Maybe it started out that way, or life happened, and one of you moved for employment or education reasons.
Either way, you know that if this relationship is going to stand a chance, you are going to have to do things a little different to maintain your connection.
Let me just say that I do believe that a long distance relationship can work, but it takes commitment, a lot of patience, trust, and great communication. The success of a long distance relationship is based on the foundation of the relationship.
If the relationship had issues and was shaky before the distance, it will not likely last. But if the relationship was solid, well grounded, and both people envisioned a similar future together, then the relationship has a strong chance of survival.
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Do's Of Your Long Distance Relationship
Do Set Relationship Expectations/Goals
Do Set Ground Rules
Do Communicate Regularly
Do Visit Each Other
Do Know Each Other's Schedules
Do Facetime
Do Have Sexy/Flirty Phone Calls
Don'ts Of Long Distance Relationships
Don't Expect Perfection and Magic Every Time You See Each Other
Don't Look For A Place Holder While Apart From Your Love
Don't Be Dishonest With Each Other
Don't Make Bad Decisions On Nights With Friends
Don't Forget Why Your Love Is Important To You
Don't Drunk Call While Angry Or Upset
Don't Be Overly Needy Or Jealous
A long distance relationship will only work if those involved are independent, self-sufficient, and willing to work hard to maintain their relationship. Absence really can make the heart grow fonder.
Absence can also shed light on some relationship problems, and perhaps show you what is not meant to be. A strong relationship should be able to survive distance, whether it is for a semester, or a year long deployment.
I personally know that a long distance relationship can work, but I also know the struggle as well. I have had two long distance relationships. My first long distance relationship didn't work, and I think that was because we were young, and not as committed as we needed to be to make it work. Immaturity, a lack of trust, and jealousy wreaked havoc on the relationship.
The successful long distance relationship worked because there were lots of calls, love letters, and weekend visits to each other.
I am sure that many of you have experienced long distance love. I know people who have horror stories, and I also know some who were more in love and committed than ever before after reuniting, and being co-located. Moral of the story is that you both have to want it to work, but it also cannot be forced. What is your love distance relationship story? Please share your experience!
"I can bear the distance but cannot imagine a life without you. For you I will go through the distance and the heartaches. You are my one and only." - Montana Lee
5 Ways To Get Over Someone You’re Still In Love With...
You cringe at the thought of letting go and moving on. You want to fight to be with the one you love. Unfortunately, there comes a time in many relationships where we have to let go. The relationship is no longer fulfilling, or your other half just doesn’t love you anymore.
Sometimes the love is still there, but the relationship just doesn’t work and is not meant to be. Or maybe you have grown apart, or lack compatibility.
It's a possibility you were always the only one in love. The person you gave your heart was never available to you. They were never available emotionally or physically. Perhaps they belonged to another.
Whatever the circumstances, you recognize that it is time to move, heal your heart, and find your happy again. But where do you start?
Healing a broken heart can be a slow and painful process if you were truly in love. In all honesty, you may always love that someone just a little bit forever, but there are things you can do to help you move on.
5 Ways To Get Over Someone You’re In Love With...
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Get Busy
Get busy and stay busy. Finding things to do is a great distraction from your broken heart. I recommend joining clubs, lots of exercise, and starting a new hobby.
Not only will staying busy keep you from cyberstalking your ex, though I am sure you will a little or a lot in the beginning, you will also find some self-improvement happening.
As you start new hobbies, and work on that body, you will find that your confidence and self esteem grows. Plus your back on the market, and you want to be at your best.
Spend Time With Friends
Hanging out with your friends will be fun, relaxing, and another great distraction. A girl's night out, or a weekend trip may be just the prescription needed for an aching heart. Your pals can be great listeners and shoulders to cry on, but don't push it. They have heard it all already, and have been listening to your love woes for quite a while before you decided to call it quits.
Make A List
Make a list of all the reasons the relationship couldn't and didn't work. When you sit down to write your list think about all the things that annoyed you, made you feel bad about yourself, and hurt your feelings in your relationship. Was your love kind, honest, and trustworthy? Did you really have much in common? Was it an abusive relationship? Were they your forever person?
Break ups happen for a reason. One or both of you didn't want to be in the relationship any longer. Do not romanticize the relationship. Be honest about their faults, and about how the relationship made you feel.
Be Open
Dating after a difficult break up will be the most exciting, and scariest thing you will do. The good, and the bad thing, is that there are many ways to meet new people. It used to be that you would go to clubs and bars to meet someone. But with all of the online dating possibilities, you can learn a lot about a potential mate without leaving your home.
The important thing to remember is to be open. Chances are there is someone you already know, who's currently in your life in some capacity, who is your best potential mate. But regardless of whether or not you have met the "one" or if you have to toss a lot of fish back into the sea until you find just what you need, be open to the possibilities.
Give It Time
I know it sounds cliche, but it is true that time heals all wounds. When you are in the middle of heartbreak, you wonder was there something wrong with you. When will you start to feel like yourself again? How will you ever go on?
The answer is "you just do". One day at a time. Resist the urge to look at old pictures, old text messages, or anything else that reminds you of them.
Return any of their belongings you might have, especially your favorite article of clothing of theirs that you cannot stop smelling because it still has their scent on it. Let go.
We have all been there. No one escapes heartbreak in this life, even if you were the one to initiate the break-up. These 5 ways to get over someone you are still in love will work. Just be strong, be patient, and know that you are enough.
Do you relate to this blog? Have you ever broken up with someone you were still in love with? How did you get over them? How long did it take to move on and let go? Please share!
“Sometimes the hardest part isn’t letting go but rather learning to start over.” - Nicole Sobon
5 Signs He’s The One: How To Know You’ve Found The Right Partner
I have always been reluctant to refer to a man in my life as "the one”. Being the one comes with a lot pressure, expectations, and the huge opportunity for failure. None of us want to fail, and we sure do not want to feel like we are letting someone down.
Having said all of that, I actually do believe in "the one". I am not sure when my opinion changed on this particular subject, and I make no promises that it won’t change again, but I do believe in the one. Now, this doesn’t mean that I think being with the one automatically guarantees your happily ever after.
Timing is everything. You and the one you are truly meant to be with have to come together at the right time in your lives for the magic to happen, and you have to continue to fan the flames to keep your fire going.
The 5 Signs He May Be The One
Amazing Chemistry
I am a big believer that great chemistry is the key component to a great relationship. If you have great chemistry, chances are you share similar interests, similar backgrounds, and similar values and life views.
When there is amazing chemistry, in addition to your commonality, you also tend to have a strong attraction on a mental, physical, and emotional level.
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Can't Stop Thinking About Him
When apart, he is never far from your mind. Your mind wonders frequently, and you often day dream about him. You wonder what he is doing, is he missing you too, and if you are thinking about each other at the same time.
It feels like torture because everything reminds you of him. His cute smile, his sexy voice, and most of all the way he looks at you.
The Way You Feel When With Him
When you are with him you feel happy, excited, and safe. There is an affect his presence has on you. When you see him or are with him, you feel giddy, and have butterflies in your stomach. You also feel safe. He knows you, he understands you, and he accepts you, flaws and all.
There is no judgment, just support and good advice when needed.
He Listens To You
Whether you are venting or talking about your life's dreams, he listens. He listens because he cares. He listens because your thoughts and feelings matter. He is willing to sit quietly and listen, or offer advice when requested. Either way, he is reassuring and supportive, and somehow always makes you feel better.
He Remembers
He remembers what you say because he actually listens to you. He remembers your favorite places, your favorite movie, and of course your birthday. Not only does he remember, but he does and says thoughtful things based on his knowledge of you. We tend to remember what matters most to us.
There are no guarantees in life, so a relationship with the “one” may not work out. But isn’t it worth a shot? The possibilities for a wonderful life with someone who truly gets and understands you is worth the risk of possible disappointment and heartbreak.
If you have found the one and you are not in a relationship with them currently, make it happen. Be brave, make your feelings known, and let what is meant to be “be”. If you are already in a relationship with the “one” don’t let the fire go out.
What are your thoughts on "the one”? Have you found him yet? Did you find him and it not work out? Please share!
"True love cannot be found where is does not exist, nor can it be denied where it does." - Torquato Tasso -t
Love...Falling, Being, Crazy In It and Why It Feels So Amazing
Love...the intense feeling of deep affection. I love the idea of falling in love, and being in love. I am not someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, and I have been described as aloof, but actually I am a romantic.
Being in a relationship, and in love is nice. It feels safe and comfortable to look over at the person sitting or laying next to you, and truly feel like you know them, and that you are in it together.
You feel like you have found your other half, your soulmate so to speak, and all is right with the world.
As wonderful as it is to be in a relationship, in all honesty nothing gives the euphoric feeling like falling in love. The newness is what makes it so different. It's obsessive. You eat, breath, live the other person.
You cannot get enough of them. You could stay up all night talking to them, or staring at their face. You miss them the minute they leave, hang up the phone, or text goodnight.
They are the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning, and last thing you think about when you fall asleep at night. It makes you feel alive. It's an amazing feeling that cannot be replicated.
Falling in love is great, but a true, deeper love comes with getting to know the other person. They are not perfect, but a flawed individual. They share your interests, but have their own too. They truly "see" you, and not the fantasy person they want you to be.
“Seeing “me has been my request with love. See me, and all of my flaws. No masks! Someone is sure to have buyer's remorse otherwise.
I know everyone loves differently, and that's okay. For many it is all about longevity, and truly knowing your partner. While for others, it is all about the excitement of falling in love, and being with someone new.
Some people love the beginning of a relationship, and the middle of the part not so much, which leads to the end of the relationship. Boredom sets in, and for them it is time to find another love.
What are your thoughts on love? Do you love hard or play hard to get? Please share your thoughts and experience!
“You have no idea how fast my heart races every time I see you.” - Unknown
5 Ways To Get Over Him
You cringe at the thought of letting go and moving on. You want to fight to be with the one you love. Unfortunately, there comes a time in many relationships where we have to let go. The relationship is no longer fulfilling, or your other half just doesn’t love you anymore.
Sometimes the love is still there, but the relationship just doesn’t work and is not meant to be. Or maybe you have grown apart, or lack compatibility.
It's a possibility you were always the only one in love. The person you gave your heart was never available to you. They were never available emotionally or physically. Perhaps they belonged to another.
Whatever the circumstances, you recognize that it is time to move, heal your heart, and find your happy again. But where do you start?
Healing a broken heart can be a slow and painful process if you were truly in love. In all honesty, you may always love that someone just a little bit forever, but there are things you can do to help you move on.
5 Ways To Get Over Someone You’re In Love With...
Featured Video
Get Busy
Get busy and stay busy. Finding things to do is a great distraction from your broken heart. I recommend joining clubs, lots of exercise, and starting a new hobby. Not only will staying busy keep you from cyberstalking your ex, though I am sure you will a little or a lot in the beginning, you will also find some self-improvement happening.
As you start new hobbies, and work on that body, you will find that your confidence and self esteem grows. Plus your back on the market, and you want to be at your best.
Spend Time With Friends
Hanging out with your friends will be fun, relaxing, and another great distraction. A girl's night out, or a weekend trip may be just the prescription needed for an aching heart. Your pals can be great listeners and shoulders to cry on, but don't push it.
They have heard it all already, and have been listening to your love woes for quite a while before you decided to call it quits.
Make A List
Make a list of all the reasons the relationship couldn't and didn't work. When you sit down to write your list think about all the things that annoyed you, made you feel bad about yourself, and hurt your feelings in your relationship.
Was your love kind, honest, and trustworthy? Did you really have much in common? Was it an abusive relationship? Were they your forever person?
Break ups happen for a reason. One or both of you didn't want to be in the relationship any longer. Do not romanticize the relationship. Be honest about their faults, and about how the relationship made you feel.
Be Open
Dating after a difficult break up will be the most exciting, and scariest thing you will do. The good, and the bad thing, is that there are many ways to meet new people. It used to be that you would go to clubs and bars to meet someone.
But with all of the online dating possibilities, you can learn a lot about a potential mate without leaving your home.
The important thing to remember is to be open. Chances are there is someone you already know, who's currently in your life in some capacity, who is your best potential mate. But regardless of whether or not you have met the "one" or if you have to toss a lot of fish back into the sea until you find just what you need, be open to the possibilities.
Give It Time
I know it sounds cliche, but it is true that time heals all wounds. When you are in the middle of heartbreak, you wonder was there something wrong with you. When will you start to feel like yourself again? How will you ever go on? The answer is "you just do". One day at a time.
Resist the urge to look at old pictures, old text messages, or anything else that reminds you of them.
Return any of their belongings you might have, especially your favorite article of clothing of theirs that you cannot stop smelling because it still has their scent on it. Let go.
We have all been there. No one escapes heartbreak in this life, even if you were the one to initiate the break-up. These 5 ways to get over someone you are still in love will work. Just be strong, patient, and know that you are enough.
Do you relate to this blog? Have you ever broken up with someone you were still in love with? How did you get over them? How long did it take to move on and let go?
5 Signs You Are Obsessed... Who Or What Consumes Your Thoughts?
Obsessions are such odd, powerful feelings. An obsession is a persistent, dominating idea, desire, thought, or feeling. We all obsess at some point or another. We obsess about our bodies, and our lovers, or potential lovers, and food, or money, and even cars. Honestly, the list could go on and on.
My Obsessions
I am currently obsessing about shoes, Jamba Juice, health and fitness, and scents. Truth be told I really don't think I have a shoe obsession, but those close to me would disagree. Fortunately California Closets designed my master closet around my shoe collection, so there is always room for a little more of my so called obsession.
Now my Jamba Juice obsession is pretty guilt free. I could drink a Berry Upbeet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and at only 400 calories for a large, I would still have a few calories to spare.
As I approach my mid 40's I have really started to take my health and fitness very serious. I have a bad back and knees, but regardless, I make sure to hit my target active calorie burn everyday. Whether it's with walking, weight training, or elliptical, I make the effort. I am not getting any younger, and a lot of health issues run in my family, so I had to step up my game.
My last obsession is scents. Scents in many forms. I am obsessed with lovely perfumes, clean smelling candles, and beautiful flowers. I have several vases in my home currently filled with Freesia, which is such a fragrant, pretty flower. I cannot get enough of wonderful smells. Thank goodness my olfactory system is working well.
Many of us obsess about things, our passions, and sometimes people. When we have an obsession with people, or to be more specific, that certain person, we can develop obsessive love. When we initially start to fall for someone we tend to be obsessed.
All thoughts and feelings revolve around that particular person. After time that obsession fades to a more realistic, sustainable love. But sometimes the obsession persists, and those feelings become unhealthy.
5 Signs Of Obsessive Love
Obsessive Thoughts About A Person
Extreme Jealous Over Their Interaction With Others
Constant Need For Reassurance
Possessive Thoughts and Behaviors
Monitoring Their Actions
Obsessive love is real and considered a disorder called obsessive love disorder (OLD). Obsessive love disorder is a condition where a person becomes obsessed with someone they think they are in love with. Obsessive love disorder can negatively impact your life, and ruin relationships.
Do not fear that being madly in love with someone means you have a disorder. OLD is rare, and usually goes hand in hand with other diagnosable mental disorders.
Now tell me what are you obsessed with? Who are you obsessed with? I am sure that when I ask those questions, a face, or image comes to mind immediately. Please share your experience!
“Extinguish my eyes, I'll go on seeing you.
Seal my ears, I'll go on hearing you.
And without feet I can make my way to you,
without a mouth I can swear your name.
Break off my arms, I'll take hold of you
with my heart as with a hand.
Stop my heart, and my brain will start to beat.
And if you consume my brain with fire,
I'll feel you burn in every drop of my blood.” - Rainer Marie Rilke
For more information on obsessive love disorder please visit www.Medicinenet.com.
7 Signs He’s Definitely Interested In You...
We have all been there. It can be both exciting, and torturous all at the same time trying to figure out if a guy is interested in you romantically. You try to decipher if he likes you just as a friend, or if there is a possibility of more. His lack of confession may be confusing, and seem like he playing games.
Take comfort that it is not always about playing games or being a player. Just like women, men want to protect their egos and their hearts too.
He wants to know how you feel before he puts himself out there. But as much as he may try to hide it, there are some definite signs that he has feelings for you, and is interested.
7 Signs He's Interested
The Way He Looks At You
A guy who is interested will lock eyes with you a lot. I call it the love gaze. He cannot help himself. And it's not just about the eye contact itself, but the look in his eyes. His desire for you, and his happiness to be in your presence is difficult for him to hide.
Check for dilated pupils. When someone is looking at someone they are interested in their pupils dilate.
The eyes truly are windows to the soul. An interested man's eyes will beam at you. Pay attention to the way he looks at you versus how he looks at everyone else. The difference will be obvious, even if he tries to mask it.
The Way He Remembers
When a man is interested he pays attention. He will remember your favorite food, your favorite color, and of course your birthday. He will even remember your allergies, and pet peeves if you have mentioned them. He wants to know everything about you. The more he knows about you, the better chance he will have of winning you over.
We tend to remember what we care about. Sure, he may just have a great memory, but we all data dump useless information. Your guys knows your likes and dislikes because you are important to him.
He Lets You Vent
Guys generally dislike drama and long conversations, especially via text and over the phone. But if a guy is willing to let you vent to him, he may be a keeper. Not only does he let you vent, but he tries to come up with solutions for your problems, and to cheer you up. A fella doing all of this is probably already in love.
The foundation of any good relationship is a strong friendship. A guy who is willing to listen to your frustrations, is a guy who is demonstrating that he can be there for you as a friend, and maybe more as well.
His Body Language
A guy's body language can tell you almost everything you want to know, without him having to say a word. He may show that he is nervous by being fidgety in your presence. Your guy's nervousness is because he cares about what you think of him. He may also be smiling really big, which is telling you that he is happy to see you.
Take a look at where he looks when something funny happens and you are in a group setting. Does he look to you first? If yes, he feels closest to you than any other person in the room.
Also notice where is feet are point in group setting. Is he facing your direction? His feet point towards where he wants to look. He want to keep you in his line of sight.
The Time and Effort He Gives You
We are all busy, and our time is valuable. So a guy who is willing to make time for you is showing you how important you are to him. Whether it is giving you a ride to the airport, or helping you with a school or work project, he is showing you that you mean something to him.
We make time for what is important to us. If he is interested, he will make the time and effort to see you. And if he is unable to see you, he will find a way to communicate with you to let you know you are on his mind.
He Asks About Your Day
his goes hand in hand with letting you vent. When a man asks you about your day, he is telling you he cares. He wants to know what is going on in your life, because he wants to be part of it.
Asking about your day is a big deal. He knows it can lead to a long conversation, and possible venting, and he's okay with that because you are a priority to him.
Your Gut Feeling
Even though we sometimes play coy or oblivious, we are usually aware deep down when someone is romantically interested. If he seems interested, then he probably is interested. You can either give him time to make his move, or you can take the lead.
Yes, guys can be confusing at times, and almost seem wishy washy. But just remember, just as you are trying to figure out how he feels about you, he is doing the same with you. Someone has to be willing to put themselves out there if anything is to ever happen.
Now you know the signs to look for in your crush. Is he interested? What are your thoughts? What other signs do you look for?
"The extreme form of passionate love is secret love." - Japanese Proverb